Portret van een jonge vrouw met pijpenkrullen c. 1865

Palmer Descamps created this small photographic portrait. The albumen print, a process popular in the mid-19th century, involves coating paper with egg white and then exposing it to light through a negative. The resulting image has a distinctive sepia tone and a slightly soft focus, which lends an air of romance to the sitter. As you can see, the process allowed for multiple reproductions, making portraiture more accessible to a growing middle class. It is a far cry from the painted portraits afforded only by the aristocracy. The smooth surface of the print belies the complex chemistry and labor involved in its creation. From preparing the paper to developing the image, each step required skill and precision. The final product, mounted in an oval frame, becomes a precious keepsake, a tangible reminder of a loved one. Looking closely at the materials and processes used in its making, we gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance of this humble photograph.